A Grandfather's Journey to the Western Pure Land

This is a record of an interview with Wang Huo, the grandfather of lay practitioners Wang Jianzhong and Wang Jiancai, who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his transition from the ancestral shrine to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. Recorded by the chief writer, Venerable HaiZe, on April 15, 2022.

Wang Huo speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I already knew you were coming to interview me. I am standing here in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss now. I am truly grateful to Practitioner Su! If it were not for Practitioner Su, our A-Zhong would not have been able to arrange our deliverance, and A-Cai would not have become a monk. We would not be in such a magnificent place today—this is the very place where the Buddhas reside."

The Merit of a Family Legacy

"Our Wang family ancestors must have accumulated great merit for our descendants to be able to enter the monastic life. As the saying goes, 'When one person attains the Way, nine generations of ancestors ascend to heaven.' A-Cai, you have not yet attained Buddhahood, but you have already delivered your ancestors. Your parents are the most blessed of all; I have seen them here! Your sister is here too, and then there is us."

"A-Cai, you must practise diligently. This temple is no ordinary place; our family’s future relies on you! Only because you were able to encounter the Buddha were you able to deliver us. Otherwise, we would still be trapped in that ancestral shrine. I only realise now that being there was like being a ghost. Heavens! It is fortunate that Practitioner Su saved us."

From the Shrine to the Golden Light

"That day, I was not doing anything in the shrine; I was just sitting there. Suddenly, a beam of light shone over, and I was startled, not knowing what was happening. In an instant, I was brought to the temple. Later, I realised it was because you had become a monk here, and I felt at peace staying. The temple is truly a wonderful place. I often watch you working outside; you must do your best! Being able to work is a blessing, so while you are still physically capable, you must do more. Your grandfather and grandmother are very happy that you brothers still think of us. Please tell your brother 'thank you' for me. Being able to study the Dharma and become a monk is a result of your past-life cultivation. You must be happy to do this, do you understand?"

The Beauty of the Western Land

"We are now standing in the Western Land. This place is even more beautiful than the temple; it is filled with golden light everywhere. We listened to Practitioner Su’s Dharma talks, which mentioned that one must chant the name of Namo Amituofo and enter the golden light to reach the Western Land. Practitioner Su took our hands, and in a flash, we were in the Western Land—it was faster than the blink of an eye. This truly requires genuine attainment. I wonder if you will be able to achieve such skills. I see that you are getting older, so it might be difficult to master such skills, but you are very capable of doing the work. You must work well and also chant the Buddha’s name diligently."

"Your grandfather and grandmother have seen your parents, and your sister is there too. Everyone looks so young and happy, and we are very happy as well. Thank you! A-Zhong, A-Cai, you brothers are my good grandsons. We must also thank Namo Amituofo and Practitioner Su. I leave A-Cai in the care of Practitioner Su. His movements seem a bit slower now; he must not grow old too quickly, or he will not be able to do the work. A-Cai, remember to tell everyone—tell them that Grandfather and Grandmother have already reached the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss."

"Thank you all. Namo Amituofo."